Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to private health insurance, as did a number of other Senators. It is important and everyone agrees the health insurers should drive down costs. The Minister should outline his plans for universal health insurance and provide an update in early course. I would prefer if he did so in this House. I will ask him to communicate his plans in that regard.

With regard to free GP care for those aged under five years, the Government is embarking on a major reform of the health system and the aim is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need rather than ability to pay. A number of important stepping stones are necessary to pave the way for the introduction of universal health insurance. Delivering the first phase of GP care in 2014 for children aged up to five years is a major step.

Every parent and grandparent knows the early years of family life are very expensive and we know the hard-working parents of 240,000 children will now be reassured that they can bring children to a doctor without having to pay for each appointment. Internationally, Ireland is only taking the first steps to catch up with the standard practice, which is clearly evident in western Europe, of operating a universal GP service. Following settlement of the health Estimate, the Minister for Health secured additional separate funding of €37 million for the introduction of free GP care for those under five years of age. The Estimate has been fully costed, based on current rates of reimbursement to GPs under the general medical services scheme, including capitation fees, practice support costs and other claimed costs. It is estimated that this measure will bring the proportion of the population with access to GP services without fees to almost 49%. Legislation will be required for the introduction of this reform which will commence in the Department of Health. That should answer Senator Darragh O'Brien's query.

Senator Ivana Bacik has welcomed the fact that over €200 million in finance from the European Union was announced yesterday for the youth guarantee, which is to be welcomed. With Senator Marie Moloney, the Senator also outlined the plight of children in Crumlin hospital and the delay in providing home care packages. That is a disgrace and should be acted on as a matter of urgency.

I welcome Senator Sean D. Barrett's comments on health insurance and hope we can have a debate on the issue. I understand the McLoughlin report is due in a matter of weeks.

Senator Pat O'Neill complimented the Garda on the work done as part of Operation Fiacla which has resulted in over 7,000 arrests and over 4,000 people being brought before the courts. The Minister for Justice and Equality has indicated that all necessary resources will be provided to combat a spate of burglaries. I join in complimenting the Garda on the efforts made in this regard.

I certainly agree with some of Senator Marc MacSharry's comments. Spending over €13 billion on a health service should be more than sufficient to fund a world class health service. There is no question about this. I also note Senator Jimmy Harte's points in that regard.

Senator David Norris asked that the issue of universal health insurance be referred to the health committee, which is probably an appropriate venue for such a debate on policy. He complimented those involved within the health service who provide such wonderful care for patients in hospital. I note his points on the clogging of accident and emergency units, which has been ongoing the length and breadth of the country. It is disgraceful that people with anti-social characteristics are terrifying those who are ill and waiting for a proper service.

Senator Martin Conway spoke about proper regulation of the charities sector and implementation of the relevant legislation.

Senator David Cullinane asked a question on the health service plan. The HSE has up until next Friday to submit the 2014 national service plan to the Minister for Health for consideration. After that date, the Minister will have 21 days to either approve or seek an amendment to the plan.

Senator Colm Burke pointed to the plight of junior doctors, as he has done consistently in the House, outlining the steps in place to address the problem which should have been dealt with many years ago. He also called for a debate on community care which we will try to arrange with the relevant Minister of State.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill spoke about youth unemployment and the youth guarantee. I gave a comprehensive reply on that issue yesterday on the Order of Business when I gave the correct figures to the House. I remind the Senator that we were losing 7,000 jobs a month on the watch of the last Government.

Senator Mary White commented on Irish Russian adoptions. It is disgraceful to suggest the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, who has taken a personal interest in the problem is not working sufficiently to solve the problem.

The Leader is dead right.